Eugene Fredrick

Eugene S. Fredrick, age 76 of Newport, passed away at his home on January 7, 2016 under the care of his family, friends and hospice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am, Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 920 Holley Avenue, St. Paul Park. Visitation will be Monday, January 11, 2016 from 5-7 pm at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 – 80th Street S, Cottage Grove and also one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Eugene "Gene" Stephen Fredrick was born December 27, 1939 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Emil and Mathilda (Schwartz) Fredrick. He grew up in South St. Paul where he graduated from high school in 1957. After graduation, he worked at Appelbaum's Grocery Store and took classes at the University of Minnesota. Gene completed the training as a Highway Technician at St. Paul Vo-Tech and started working for the MN Department of Transportation in 1965. Over the course of 40 years, he served in the construction and design departments and prior to his retirement, he worked as an estimator. Gene was united in marriage to Jacqueline Emert on November 25, 1983 in Lake Elmo, and made their home in Newport.

He enjoyed fishing, golfing and bowling. He loved watching all kinds of sports, but his heart was drawn to hockey. He enjoyed baking and wasn't afraid to try new recipes. Gene served on the lunch serving group at St. Thomas Aquinas and was proud of being one of the "lunch ladies." After retirement he and Jackie volunteered their time serving meals at the Dorothy Day Center.

Gene is survived by his wife Jackie; daughter Tracey (fiancé Aaron Troost) Fredrick; two brothers Richard "Dick" (Karen) and Lawrence "Larry"; brothers-in-law Lawrence "Barry" (Sara) Emert, Steven (Liz) Emert as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents as well as mother-in-law and father-in-law, Josephine and Russell Emert; sister-in-law Judith Fredrick and brother-in-law Donald Emert.